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Bells Ring End of Radiation Treatment

A bell rings out at one of MD Anderson's regional care centers following the completion of a patient's radiation treatment.Photo: F. Carter Smith

MD Anderson’s radiation treatment facilities have all the bells and whistles — with emphasis on the bells.

Department of Radiation Oncology faculty and staff used their expertise and the latest technology to treat more than 7,000 cancer patients last year.

When their treatment was completed, many of those patients celebrated by ringing a bell at MD Anderson’s centers on the main campus, in the Greater Houston area and in Albuquerque, N.M.

The now-widespread tradition was introduced in 1996 at MD Anderson when U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne, a patient with head and neck cancer, installed a brass bell at the main campus Radiation Treatment Center.

Patients who finish treatment at MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center make a bit louder noise by banging a gong to symbolize the restoration of balance, harmony and life energy.